Chicken Spinach Casserole

This chicken spinach casserole is a straightforward and comforting meal. It combines shredded chicken and spinach in a savory, cheesy custard made with cottage cheese and eggs. It’s a simple dish that comes together with minimal fuss.

With just about 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole in the oven. It’s an excellent way to use leftover cooked chicken and transform simple ingredients into a warm and satisfying dinner.

Why will you love Chicken Spinach Casserole?

Uses cottage cheese for creaminess: Cottage cheese provides a high-protein, creamy base for the casserole without making it heavy.

Squeezing spinach is key: Removing all excess water from the spinach prevents a watery final dish and ensures a firm, sliceable texture.

No pre-cooking required: Besides the chicken, all ingredients are mixed in one bowl and baked, which saves time and cleanup.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. You can also use any leftover baked or poached chicken, shredded.

• Frozen Spinach: Be sure to buy chopped spinach, not whole leaf, for the best texture. Thaw it completely before squeezing.

• Cottage Cheese: Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese both work well in this recipe. Small or large curd is a matter of personal preference.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a more pronounced flavor, but mild cheddar or Monterey Jack are also good options.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Spinach

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish. The most critical prep step is to thoroughly drain the thawed spinach. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can to ensure your casserole sets up nicely.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the very dry spinach, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and melted butter. Add the flour, eggs, seasonings, and most of the cheddar cheese, reserving some for the top. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over it for a golden crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

What to Serve with Chicken Spinach Casserole

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Helpful Tricks for Chicken Spinach Casserole

Squeezing the spinach completely dry is the most important step. Any excess water will prevent the casserole from setting properly.

For food safety, always check that the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) with a digital thermometer, as it contains both poultry and eggs.

Feel free to use another good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Gruyère blend in place of cheddar.

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Spinach Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole does not freeze well due to the cottage cheese and egg base. Reheat individual slices in the microwave until warmed through.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can. You will need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Sauté it in a pan until it is fully wilted, then let it cool and squeeze it very dry, just as you would with frozen spinach.

My casserole came out watery. What went wrong?

A watery casserole is almost always caused by not squeezing enough moisture out of the spinach. It’s very important to remove as much liquid as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Chicken Spinach Casserole

Tender chicken and spinach come together with cottage and cheddar cheese in this simple, savory baked casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 package frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed very dry, 10-ounce / 280g
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken about 10 oz / 280g
• 2 cups cottage cheese 450g
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided, 170g
• 4 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 57g
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 30g
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
• Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible. This step is key to a firm casserole.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry spinach, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, melted butter, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the casserole is set in the center and the edges are golden brown. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
• Let the casserole rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. This helps it set for cleaner slices.

Notes

Squeezing the spinach completely dry is the most important step. Any excess water will prevent the casserole from setting properly.

For food safety, always check that the internal temperature of the casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) with a digital thermometer, as it contains both poultry and eggs.

Feel free to use another good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Gruyère blend in place of cheddar.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken, chicken spinach casserole, easy dinner, spinach